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Music

Music

S1 Music

Pupils are given the opportunity to listen to, play and create their own music from a variety of musical styles. Performance skills are developed on a variety of instruments including keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, tuned percussion, drum-kit and voice. Pupils also learn some basic music notation and learn how to give and receive feedback using self and peer assessment techniques.

S2 Music

Pupils continue to perform, listen to and create music from a wide range of genres including Pop, Musicals and Scottish Music. They will choose two instruments from those studied in S1 and further develop these skills, as well as learning some music notation. Pupils will experience digital learning in music using Garageband software to produce a soundtrack to a video.

S3 Music

Much like the S2 course, pupils will continue to develop skills on their main instrument as well as having the opportunity to further develop their skills on a second instrument. Pupils will also learn about many different styles and periods from musical history by actively listening and creating music. Throughout S3, pupils will continue to progress through the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring breadth, depth and challenge of learning.

Assessment in Music across S1-3 will focus on learners’ skills and abilities to express themselves through the three significant aspects of learning in each of the components:

Creating

Presenting

Evaluating and Appreciating

S4 Music

In S4 pupils can be presented for National 3, National 4 or National 5 Music.

The National 5 course allows learners to develop and consolidate practical skills in performing and creating music, while developing a broader understanding of a range of styles and concepts. The course activities allow learners to work independently or in collaboration with others, and it can meet the needs of a wide variety of learners with a range of musical interests.

The National 5 Music course is practically based and consists of three units, and an added value unit (the course assessment):

Performing Skills Unit

At National 5 level, pupils will be expected to perform a programme of pieces on two different instruments, or one instrument and voice. Within this programme, pupils must include a minimum of two pieces on each instrument / voice at ABRSM grade 3 or above level.

Composing Skills Unit

Understanding Music Unit

SQA COURSE ASSESSMENT (ADDED VALUE UNIT)

The course award assessment comprises of two components:

Performing Assessment: 60% of the Course Award

At National 5 level, pupils will perform an 8 minute combined programme of pieces on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, at ABRSM grade 3 or equivalent to an external SQA examiner.

Understanding Music Assessment: 40% of the Course Award

Pupils will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of music concepts, styles and literacy through a 45 minute written paper at the end of the course.

S5 Music

In S5 pupils can be presented for National 5 or Higher Music.

The Higher Music course allows learners to develop and consolidate practical skills in performing and creating music, while developing a broader understanding of a range of styles and concepts. The course activities allow learners to work independently or in collaboration with others, and it can meet the needs of a wide variety of learners with a range of musical interests.

The Higher Music course is practically based and consists of three units, and an added value unit (the course assessment):

Performing Skills Unit

At Higher level, pupils will be expected to perform a programme of pieces on two different instruments, or one instrument and voice. Within this programme, pupils must include a minimum of two pieces on each instrument / voice at ABRSM grade 4 or above level.

Composing Skills Unit

Understanding Music Unit

SQA COURSE ASSESSMENT (ADDED VALUE UNIT)

The course award assessment comprises of two components:

Performing Assessment: 60% of the overall course award

At Higher level, pupils will perform a 12 minute combined programme of pieces on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, at ABRSM grade 4 or equivalent.

Understanding Music Assessment: 40% of the overall course award

Pupils will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of music concepts, styles and literacy through a one hour written paper at the end of the course.

S6 Music

In S6 pupils can be presented for National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher Music.

Advanced Higher Course Description

The course consists of three units;

Performing Skills

Composing Skills

Understanding & Analysing Music

Pupils will complete all 3 units as well as the following course assessment. All units are on a Pass/Fail basis.

SQA COURSE ASSESSMENT (ADDED VALUE UNIT)

The course award assessment comprises of two components: Pupils must choose one of the following options. All pupils must sit the Question Paper.

Performance or Portfolio

1. Performing Assessment Option:

60% of the overall course award

At Advanced Higher level, pupils will perform an 18 minute combined programme of pieces on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, at ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent to an external SQA examiner.

OR

Portfolio Option: 60% of the overall course award

The portfolio will include 12 minutes of music and will contain a minimum of two pieces of music. It will be presented in the form of an audio folio.